Why take the Washington job with Syracuse ready to hand over the head coaching gig next year?

Hopkins will surely say all the right things when he stands in front of podium with his new purple tie on and addresses the media and fans in Seattle.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman has already indicated that Hopkins felt the calling to build his own legacy, not follow in the gigantic shadow of a Hall of Fame legacy built at Syracuse by Jim Boeheim.

"He wants to build a legacy, felt like the opportunity was special at Washington, and also wanted to make sure he did right by his mentor and father figure, Jim Boeheim," a source close to situation told Goodman.

Who can blame him for that? Washington has reportedly handed Hopkins a six-year deal to build that legacy.

That said, the Boeheim-to-Hopkins handover was a solid plan.

Hopkins is a Syracuse guy. He shared the same passion, knowledge and loyalty to his alma mater as Boeheim did. He made big scores on the recruiting trail with the likes of Hakim Warrick, Gerry McNamara, Jonny Flynn, Scoop Jardine, Dion Waiters, Michael Carter-Williams and Rakeem Christmas (just to name a few) and was a well-respected coach nationally.

Hopkins was being handed a job in the best basketball conference in America, a passionate and loyal fan base ready to support one of their own and one of the best practice facilities in the country.

"Previous to me coming here, the transition was announced by all parties, agreed to by all parties, released by all parties," Wildhack said during an interview on ESPN Radio Syracuse. "It's my job to ensure as smooth a transition in this program as we can. That's my job and I'm going to do my absolute best to do it. .... We plan on executing that which has been put in place."

It was also a plan that Jim Boeheim embraced with the enthusiasm of a man about to enter a root canal appointment.

To hear this may result in Boeheim, who turns 73 in November, leading Syracuse men's basketball beyond the 2017-18 season would surprise not a soul that follows the program closely, loosely or otherwise.

So, what now?

How much longer will Jim Boeheim remain at Syracuse, who has 41 years and counting on the resume in the head chair.

Who now will play the "good cop" to Boeheim's "bad cop" at Syracuse?

Hopkins, with boundless amounts of energy and positive reenforcement, brought balance to the Syracuse force to counter Boeheim's salty and blunt approach with players.

Who takes Hopkins' place on the coaching staff? Will Adrian Autry or Gerry McNamara get the bump or will Boeheim look outside the program?

What about recruiting? One early return on that front was positive.

Syracuse recruit Oshae Brissett, a forward from Mississauga, Ontario, who plays for Athlete Institute in Mono, told syracuse.com's Mike Waters on Sunday that his decision to attend SU would not change. "Not at all," he said.

"I'm not concerned about it, to be honest," Brissett said.

How about fan reaction?

I think most Orange fans will be inclined to thank Hopkins for his contributions to Syracuse's success and wish him well at Washington.

Some may be relieved to see him go. Many became more skeptical of Hopkins' ability to lead during Jim Boeheim's nine-game suspension last season when Hopkins put up a record of 4-5.

Can we rule out Hopkins returning to Syracuse in the future?

Either way, Hopkins' departure to Washington means he doesn't have to be "the guy after the guy" at Syracuse. He can be the architect of his own legacy.

Hopkins now doesn't have to continue a legacy built by a Hall of Famer who came to Syracuse in 1962, turned the men's basketball program into a national power and has become synonymous with its success.

No one knew that better than Mike Hopkins.

Which may be the easiest answer as to why he left.

**What do you think of Mike Hopkins' decision to leave Syracuse for Washington? Was it the right time to do his own thing or do you think he is letting a great opportunity pass?

Head to the comments section or contact me at the info below to give us your take.